Jumla, May 18 -- The lightning struck a flock of sheep as they had taken shelter under a tree during rainfall. The incident resulted in the death of 16 sheep belonging to Hirabahadur Aidi and six belonging to Dhankrishna Rokaya, both residents of ward 2 of Guthichaur.

Local farmers often drive their sheep to remote pastures for grazing during the season due to a lack of suitable grazing land near their homes. "We were bringing the sheep back home after grazing in the Patan flats when the rain began. The animals had gathered under a tree for shelter when the lightning struck," said ward member Dhan Bahadur Bohara. "It took away their source of happiness."

Aidi, who owns a total of 50 sheep and goats, and Rokaya, with around 30, have been...